New Law Designates July 11th as National Day of Remembrance for Srebrenica Genocide Victims

The Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Act of 2025 isn’t changing your tax bracket or your commute, but it is making a significant official statement about a dark chapter in modern history. This bill formally designates July 11th as the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, adding it to Chapter 1 of title 36 of the U.S. Code, which covers national observances.

This legislation is essentially Congress putting its weight behind a historical truth: recognizing the systematic mass killing of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995 as a genocide. It lays out the historical context, noting that the goal of the Bosnian Serb leadership was "ethnic cleansing" to create an ethnically pure state. This is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a detailed, official acknowledgment of the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War (SEC. 2).

The Official U.S. Stance on History

For most people, a new National Day of Remembrance might seem distant, but the impact here is primarily educational and diplomatic. The bill encourages private citizens, organizations, and all levels of government to recognize July 11th through activities that pay tribute to victims' families and condemn the genocide. Think of this as the U.S. government officially saying, “This happened, and we won’t forget it.”

Crucially, the law explicitly condemns anyone who denies the Srebrenica genocide, which has been recognized by international courts. It also condemns attempts to rewrite the history of the war (SEC. 3). For human rights organizations and educators, this designation provides official backing and resources to teach about the event, ensuring that this history isn't erased or minimized. It’s a tool for truth and accountability, especially against political leaders in the Balkans who continue to deny the facts.

Supporting Stability Abroad

While this is a U.S. law, its real-world effect is felt most strongly in the Balkans. The Act reaffirms U.S. support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity and its multi-ethnic culture, which is currently under stress from nationalist rhetoric. By condemning inflammatory language that promotes ethnic tension, the U.S. is essentially sending a clear message to those trying to destabilize the region.

This matters because stability in that part of the world affects global security and trade. When the U.S. officially supports reconciliation and democratic institutions in Bosnia, it makes it harder for bad actors to use historical denial to stir up new conflicts. It’s a foreign policy move wrapped in a day of remembrance, aiming to strengthen peace by insisting on historical truth.